🔧 Fit - Engine Air Filter Replacement

Replacing the engine air filter helps your Fit breathe properly, improves throttle response, and protects the engine from dirt and debris. This is one of the easiest first DIY jobs because it does not require lifting the vehicle or removing major parts.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Let the engine cool before working near the engine bay.
• ⚠️ Keep loose clothing, jewelry, and fingers away from the radiator fan area.
• ⚠️ Do not start the engine while the air filter housing is open.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Clean shop towel

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine air filter - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Fit on level ground.
• Shift the manual transmission into 1st gear or reverse.
• Set the parking brake firmly.
• Turn the ignition off and remove the key.
• Open the hood and support it with the hood prop rod.
• The air filter housing is the black plastic box in the engine bay connected to the large air intake tube.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the Air Filter Housing

• Put on safety glasses and nitrile gloves.
• Stand at the front of your Fit and look for the black plastic air filter box near the engine air intake tube.
• No tool is needed for this step.
• Take a photo before opening.

Step 2: Release the Air Box Clips

• Use your fingers to unclip the metal retaining clips around the air filter housing lid.
• A retaining clip is a spring-style latch that holds the plastic lid closed.
• Do not force the clips. They should flip away from the lid by hand.
• No socket or screwdriver is normally needed for the Fit LX air filter housing.

Step 3: Lift the Air Box Lid

• Use both hands to gently lift the upper half of the air filter housing.
• Do not pull hard on the attached intake tube.
• Lift the lid only enough to slide the old filter out.
• Plastic tabs can crack if forced.

Step 4: Remove the Old Engine Air Filter

• Use your hands to pull the old engine air filter straight out of the housing.
• Note the direction and shape of the filter before removing it fully.
• Check the old filter for heavy dirt, leaves, oil, or rodent debris.
• No torque spec applies because no bolts are removed.

Step 5: Clean the Lower Air Box

• Use a clean shop towel to wipe loose dust or leaves from the lower air filter housing.
• Do not push dirt into the intake opening.
• Do not use water or spray cleaner inside the air box.
• Keep debris out of the engine.

Step 6: Install the New Engine Air Filter

• Use your hands to place the new engine air filter into the lower housing.
• Make sure the rubber edge sits flat all the way around.
• The filter should fit naturally. If it rocks or sits unevenly, remove it and reseat it.
• Do not trim, bend, or crush the filter.

Step 7: Close the Air Box Lid

• Use both hands to lower the upper air box lid back into position.
• Make sure the lid aligns evenly with the lower housing.
• Use your fingers to snap all retaining clips fully back into place.
• There is no bolt torque spec for the clip-style air box lid.

Step 8: Final Visual Check

• Use your eyes and hands to confirm the air box lid is fully closed.
• Check that no shop towel or loose item is left in the engine bay.
• Close the hood securely.

---

✅ After Repair

• Start your Fit and let it idle for about 30 seconds.
• Listen for unusual hissing near the air box, which can mean the lid is not seated correctly.
• If the engine sounds normal, turn it off and recheck the air box clips once more.
• No scan tool reset, battery registration, or infotainment reset is required.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $50-$100 parts + labor

DIY Cost: $15-$35 parts only

You Save: $35-$65 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.2-0.4 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.